MOUNT VICTORY — Members of the Hardin County Republican Party filled the banquet facilities of the Plaza Inn Restaurant in Mount Victory on Sunday evening to meet a long list of candidates seeking their support, to honor Lincoln Day and to celebrate the success of the party in the November election. U.S. Rep. Bob Latta told the Republicans the first …

DOLA — In his several years as a youth baseball coach, Denny Pees has helped many children learn the mechanics of the game, watching them grow over the course of the season and from year to year. It’s seeing that growth in their knowledge and skills of the game that Pees enjoys most as the head coach of the Hardin Northern baseball team.

The leader of economic development in Hardin County hopes to take that experience to the Ohio Statehouse. Jon Cross, president/CEO and economic development director of the Hardin County Chamber and Business Alliance, announced today his plans to run for state representative of the 83rd Ohio House District in the Republican primary in 2018. The district includes Hancock County, Hardin County and a portion of Logan County.

Kenton is being given a “once in a lifetime” opportunity to make changes which will last for many generations to come, according to a senior planner who is working on a revitalization plan for the city. Kenton City Council has approved OHM Advisors to address its aging water and sewer lines in the business area around the courthouse.

ADA — James Cunningham has spent most of his life working with people around the world. As a diplomat for the U.S. State Department, Cunningham has dealt with people on the international stage. As the ambassador to the United Nations, Afghanistan and Israel, Cunningham has negotiated with national leaders.

The Hardin County Common Pleas Court tried an ankle monitoring system for a limited time last year and is hoping to get funding to expand the program for 2017. Judge Scott Barrett, along with court administrator Gina Messner, administrative sheriff’s deputy Dennis Burns and Sheriff Keith Everhart, met with the Hardin County commissioners on Thursday to share how leasing the units assists the court and saves money for the county.

FOREST — A LaRue man died as a result of a crash near Forest on Thursday evening. Allen E. Barry, 78, was pronounced dead at the scene by a Life Flight doctor after a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of U.S. 30 and CH 81, according to a Wyandot County Sheriff’s Office news release.

Five years ago, the Bellefontaine business area was facing the same problems Kenton is facing today, said Jason Duff, CEO and founder of Bellefontaine Ohio Properties Limited. Family-owned clothing stores and pharmacies who had been in the community for decades were closing, he said.

MOUNT BLANCHARD — With the retirement of Superintendent Eric Hoffman less than five months away, the Riverdale Board of Education selected a familiar face as the district’s next leader. At a special meeting Wednesday afternoon, the board approved a three-year contract for current K-12 Assistant Principal Jeff Young to become Riverdale superintendent, effective Aug. 1.

DOLA — Hardin Northern will begin classes a week earlier in the next school year. The board of education approved the change at its regular meeting Wednesday after the district’s teachers approved the school year calendar.